David McNally appointed to Board of Trustees

Sept. 5, 2025

SARANAC LAKE -- North Country Community College is pleased to announce the recent appointment of David McNally to its Board of Trustees. McNally was appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and brings decades of public service, advocacy, and community involvement to the board.

Born and raised in Olmstedville, McNally earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications from SUNY Oswego. He recently retired as the Senior Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy for AARP New York, where he worked since 1994. Throughout his career, he represented AARP across the state and internationally, speaking at conferences in Switzerland and Toronto. He is also the recipient of AARP’s highest advocacy honor, the Lynn Bodiford Award.

McNally’s public service began in the New York State Assembly, where he held various communications roles from 1986 to 1994, including serving as the Public Affairs Director for the Majority Leader. His experience in public policy, legislative advocacy, and community engagement will be a valuable asset to the college’s leadership.

“We’re thrilled to welcome David McNally to the Board of Trustees,” said North Country Community College President Joe Keegan. “David’s deep roots in the North Country, combined with his lifelong dedication to public service and advocacy, make him an outstanding addition to our board. We look forward to the insight and experience he will bring to our efforts to serve students and communities across the region.”

In addition to his professional career, McNally is an active community volunteer. He is on the steering committee of the Healthcare Coalition for the North Country, and the lead fundraiser for the Francis and Nora Donnelly Scholarship Fund. McNally is also a choir member at St. Joseph’s Church, a former trustee and fundraising chair of the Minerva Historical Society, organizer of the Minerva Day Band, and Minerva Day Parade volunteer.

McNally shares a home in Olmstedville with his wife, Clare, a retired school librarian and ESL teacher, and their two beloved dogs, Trudy and Beatrice.

For more information about the North Country Community College Board of Trustees, visit www.nccc.edu/about/board-of-trustees